Oceans Night

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During the months leading up to spring break, Walter Hays transforms itself into the wonders of the ocean.

What is Ocean’s Night?

Ocean’s Night has been a Walter Hays tradition for many years. While bringing the community together, this event showcases the hard work and learning of the students in addition to the dedication and devotion of the teachers. The evening Ocean Walkabout provides a common theme that can be enjoyed throughout the school. Students, parents, young and old are all invited to view the classrooms and take a journey through these unique habitats.

Each grade level studies a certain section of the ocean: Kindergartners and First Graders start the journey by studying the tide pools and the creatures that live there. Second Graders study the sandy beaches and the colonies of elephant seals that inhabit them. Third Graders take a trip to the Palo Alto Baylands and learn about this vital ecosystem and its unique creatures. Fourth Graders move away from the shores into the kelp forest to study both plant and animal life. Finally, the Fifth Graders venture off into the deep ocean to explore the many mysteries of this vast region.

Use this site as a guide for any studies students might want to try at home.

Typically, Ocean Night falls on the Thursday night before Spring Week and is from 6:00-7:00 pm. Come see all the wonderful ocean related projects in your child’s classroom and throughout the school!

Junior Museum exhibit in the library (lots of hands on exhibits!) and all classrooms are open.

What is the Hat Parade?

The Hat Parade includes all classes at Walter Hays right after drop off in a grade by grade lively parade of the students in their hatware representations of Tide Pool Creatures, Sandy Shores Denizens, Winged Baylands creatures, the Kelp Forest and Deep Oceans inhabitants and Fauna. The Hat Parade is traditionally held on the last day of Oceans Week on the Friday before Spring break.